Chapter 122
Book 12 Chapter 01 – Internal And External Problems
Xiang Shaolong was terrified. If a composed and experienced man like Master Tu says we are in trouble, then we are really in big trouble. He quickly asked for an explanation.
Master Tu started: "Your brother-in-law came looking for Lu Buwei last night and they chatted for almost four hours. After their discussion, Lu Buwei ordered Lu Xiong and myself to spy on your activities. In addition, he threw a tantrum and cursed you, scolding that you do not know what is good for you and even helped Xu Xian become the Left Premier. I am certain that your brother-in-law betrayed you."
Xiang Shaolong was mortified. In a state of panic, he summoned Teng Yi and his father-in-law and updated them on this development.
Wu Yingyuan slammed the table heavily and cursed: "How dare he betray his own family! I will sentence him to death according to the house rules."
Teng Yi’s face was filled with dread as well. If Lu Buwei actively plots against them, they will be in deep trouble.
Xiang Shaolong deduced: "We are not sure what Tingwei has told Lu Buwei. If Lu Buwei knows everything, he will evade me or send an a.s.sa.s.sin after me immediately. He will not allow me to continue working for him."
In the short span of time, Wu Yingyuan seemed to have aged a few years. He sighed: "Luckily, I did not say much to that [email protected]/* */ I only mentioned that Lu Buwei is an accommodating man on the surface but is very jealous of people who are more capable than him. Therefore, he is not very dependable. With the King and Queen favouring Shaolong, he will be extremely envious. We must take early precautions and prepare an exit strategy for ourselves. It is really fortunate that I did not tell them the other details."
Teng Yi commented in a deep voice: "From my point of view, Master Tingwei is not that brave. He must have had the backing of some of the other Wu Family members to act like this. We must not act rashly but conduct some investigations first."
Master Tu nodded: "Brother Teng is right. If you do something harsh to Master Tingwei now, you will only raise Lu Buwei’s suspicions and he will know that you have a spy in his residence."
Wu Yingyuan sighed and his eyes are s.h.i.+mmering with tears. After all, Wu Tingwei is his own flesh and blood. How can he not be heart-broken?
Master Tu added: "Lu Buwei is a genius. Seeing that Shaolong retreated to the farms after his mission and even prepared an exit strategy, he will guess that you have discovered his plot. If this matter is leaked out, it is highly detrimental to him. He will never let you off."
Wu Yingyuan wiped away his tears and coldly snorted: "Everyone in Qin has a good opinion of Shaolong and our farms are performing well. What can he do to us?"
Master Tu explained: "Recently, Lu Buwei recruited a famous swordsman. Like Lian Jin whom Shaolong killed, he is from Wei and is Lian Jin’s martial brother. Named Guan Zhongxie, his frame is even bigger than Shaolong and Brother Teng. I believe that he is stronger Xiao Weimou. He possesses top sword skills, excellent riding skills and can fight against a hundred men. He is also gifted with sharp intelligence and has become Lu Buwei’s confidante. Now, he is responsible for training Lu Buwei’s family warriors, making Lu Buwei even more powerful. You must not let your guard down against him."
Teng Yi and Xiang Shaolong could feel their goose pimples rising. If this man is stronger than Xiao Weimou, they will not be his match.
They managed to kill Xiao Weimou that fateful day because he was injured by their arrow. Otherwise, it will be hard to determine who will be the eventual winner.
Wu Yingyuan inquired: "Has Master Tu exchange blows with him before?"
Master Tu bitterly smiled: "We exchanged a few stances. Although there was no clear victor, I know he is way better than me. Otherwise, I will not bring him up."
Everyone was blown away.
Master Tu is the best swordsman in Lu Buwei’s residence. If he says he is way behind Guan Zhongxie, then Guan Zhongxie is indeed formidable.
Teng Yi predicted; "With this man helping Lu Buwei, they may arrange a dinner with a friendly match for entertainment and force Shaolong to fight him. On this pretext, they can kill Shaolong and blame it on carelessness. This is not a private duel and it is common for Qin people to have friendly matches during dinner. By that time, Shaolong is dead and King Zhuangxiang cannot hold it against Lu Buwei."
Wu Yingyuan does not know much about Xiao Weimou. Thus, he is full of confidence in Xiang Shaolong. He coldly laughed: "Is Shaolong so easy to kill? But you must take extra care when you leave the farm."
Xiang Shaolong thought to himself – Before he openly clash with Lu Buwei, there are many things he cannot avoid. He sighed: "Lu Buwei has been recruiting men of talent everywhere. Are there any others worth mentioning?"
Master Tu continued: "In terms of knowledge, there is a guy named Mo Ao. This man is awfully smart and is like a walking encyclopaedia. However, he has an evil heart and I am sure it was him who thought of the scheme to ambush you at the red pine forest. He is well-versed in poisons and he was suspected to have poisoned the late king."
Teng Yi frowned: "Even you have no idea?"
Master Tu sighed: "Mo Ao married Lu Buwei’s sister and is considered his relative. Such an important issue is only known to his own clansmen. Even I, who have been with him for almost two decades, am kept in the dark. Now, they are trying to restrict my followers. Ai!" Finis.h.i.+ng, he has a hurt expression on his face.
Wu Yingyuan could not hold back, asking: "Why doesn’t Master Tu follow Mister Xiao’s example and leave his residence?"
Master Tu’s face darkened and he gritted his teeth: "Such a heartless man, I want to see what kind of retribution he will receive. Fortunately, I am still of value to him. As long as he does not know that I have seen through him, he will not make trouble for me. On the surface, he is still acting like someone who values brotherhood and relations.h.i.+ps."
Xiang Shaolong sighed with him: "In terms of knowledge, there is Mo Ao. In terms of martial arts, who is a potential threat?"
Master Tu divulged: "There are three men. Although they are not as skilled as Guan Zhongxie, they are first rate fighters as well. They are Lu Chan, Zhou Zihen and Du (poison)."
Xiang Shaolong was shaken: "Du?"
The other three men stared at him, astounded.
Master Tu was curious: "Do you know him? He may be from Zhao but has left Zhao three years ago. In the end, he went to Han and seduce Han Chuang’s wife. Han Chuang sent a.s.sa.s.sins after him and he was forced to come to Xianyang City. I don’t think Shaolong has met him before."
Xiang Shaolong was tongue tied. In the Qin s.h.i.+ Huang movie, Du was an important spy. He conspired with Zhu Ji and left Lu Buwei’s control. He cause chaos to the Qin court and even secretly rebelled. But how can he tell them about all these?
He lied: "Nothing. I just felt that his name sounds funny!"
The three men continue to eye him suspiciously.
Xiang Shaolong waved his hand and added: "Honestly, I don’t know why but when I heard this name, I do not feel comfortable. Hei! What kind of person is he?"
With his excuse, everyone was relieved and their suspicions disappeared.
Originally, Teng Yi is fearless. With a pretty wife and a beautiful son, his thinking is no longer the same as before.
Master Tu thought hard and replied: "Du is very good with psychological attacks. His flattery skill is second to none and is highly favoured by Lu Buwei. With das.h.i.+ng good looks, he attracts women like honey attracts ants. In Xianyang City, he is the most popular guest in the brothels."
Pausing, he added: "He is blessed by the heaven to have the best 5exual stamina and his record is ten women in one sitting. Lu Buwei loves to use him to seduce the wives and maids of his enemies, gathering important intelligence. Hng! Nonetheless, he is another heartless cad and has destroyed countless marriages. If not for Lu Buwei s.h.i.+elding him, he will be murdered long ago."
The four men quietened down.
Among Lu Buwei’s recruits, there are many ‘unorthodox’ people. Going against him will not be easy.
Wu Yingyuan sighed again: "Isn’t Master Tu afraid that Lu Buwei will suspect you for visiting us like this?"
Master Tu explained: "I came here on his orders to invite Shaolong to attend a banquet at his residence three days later. I have no idea why Shaolong is invited and Master Wu is left out. I am sure he is up to no good."
Xiang Shaolong recalled Lu Buwei’s marriage proposal and sighed: "I will do my best to counter him. We shall see what the future will bring. After all, some things just cannot be avoided."
Wu Yingyuan commented: "External threats are frightening but internal strife is worse. If I do not harden my heart and cleanse my household, I will regret it when we suffer in the future."
Master Tu advised: "You must not act rashly or even let Master Tingwei know that he has been found out. In fact, you can use him to create a false impression in front of Lu Buwei."
Turning to Xiang Shaolong, he swore: "Lu Buwei is the most scheming